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Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

December 16, 2002

>> Inside <<

* Holiday Greetings
* Your Favorite Flights?
* Recent Moves
* High Times in the Winter
* Your New Travel 'To-Do' List
* Did Somebody Say 'Shark'?
* Use Your Miles - Or Lose 'Em
* What United Bankruptcy Means
* Delta's Senior Shuffle
* Why is Solo Travel Expensive?

>> First Off <<

Tropical holiday greetings from all of us at Elliott's E-Mail! This is probably the last newsletter of 2002, so we wanted to take a moment - Aren, Kari, Max and I - to say thanks. As you know, this newsletter is a team effort, made possible by a long list of outside contributors, a few good editors, and the generosity of our underwriters. We're grateful for your support in the last year and look forward to bringing you more irreverent and useful travel content in 2003. Here's hoping you have a wonderful holiday and a very happy New Year.

>> By The Way <<

** Your Favorite Flights?
Which flight routes do you enjoy the most? New York to London on the Concorde? The old PSA flights between San Francisco and LA? We'd like to know which plane trips you prefer (or preferred) to fly on of because of the excellent flight crews, polite passengers, or superior service. Send us an e-mail and please don't forget to include your full name, city, and what you do for a living. Your answer may appear in a future column.

** Recent Moves
A few items relating to this newsletter to report this week. Triprights.com is heading toward a Jan. 1 launch, with mentions in several prominent publications, including an upcoming plug in The Wall Street Journal. On a personal note, I've been asked to join U.S. News & World Report as a contributing editor specializing in travel coverage. Plus, look for a big announcement in a January newsletter relating to an exciting new project.

>> Underwritten By <<

** DreamofItaly.com
Discriminating travelers with a passion for Italy finally have a timely resource for planning their next visit to the land of la dolce vita. Dream of Italy is a new, bi-monthly subscription travel newsletter available by mail or on the Internet. Each issue is packed with the latest news and insiders' advice on Italian travel and culture. For a free sample copy or to subscribe, visit its Web site or call 877-OF-ITALY (toll-free).

>> This Week <<

** High Times in the Winter
Conquering the Matterhorn in January isn't generally a tranquil experience-unless you're doing it from the basket of a hot-air balloon. And more folks are doing just that. The Balloon Federation of America sees a steady inflation in the balloon business. "Winter ballooning is the bright spot," says President Phil Bryant. Fueling the interest: the promise of a smoother, longer ride; new tour operators who hope to get you naturally high; and a series of ballooning festivals that aggressively promote this cold-weather activity. > In US News & World Report.

** Your New Travel 'To-Do' List
About 70% of travelers are not insured for medical or safety problems that may stop a trip, according to industry estimates. And only a fraction of road warriors subscribe to services that keep them posted on security developments, or carry a device that improves their safety on the road. As a Boy Scout, I remember learning how to tie knots, make campfires and pitch a tent. What's the equivalent skill set for the jet set? Here are five things you should do to prepare for your next business trip. > In bCentral's Power Trip.

** Did Somebody Say 'Shark'?
After reeling in one fish after another - redfish, sea trout and catfish - Richard Stanczyk quietly announces that it's time to go after "something bigger." We're a one-hour boat ride from Islamorada, Fla., drifting somewhere in the Florida Bay, and it's difficult to imagine that our 16-foot vessel can accommodate anything much larger than the gamefish we're catching and releasing. Stanczyk, a veteran fishing guide, slices a live ladyfish in half, hooks it, and casts the line in a wide arc alongside a sandbar. He chops the rest of the baitfish into smaller pieces and tosses the bloody remains overboard. "Time to catch a shark," he says. > From the Destination archives.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Use Your Miles - Or Lose 'Em
Use your miles now. Change your credit cards to strong carriers. Get ready for big changes. Unless your head's in the sand, it should be obvious that the airline world is changing. This is not a slow evolution or an orderly change in business plans. You are witnessing the equivalent of corporate panic. > Read Cheap Charlie's column.

** What United Bankruptcy Means
United Airlines entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 9, marking the culmination of a protracted slide into insolvency. The world's second largest airline, United operates 1,800 flights each day on a global network serving 119 destinations in 26 countries and two territories. The effects of the declaration will be felt throughout the industry; find below our look at what it means to travelers, along with some tips for minimizing your own exposure to potential problems. > In Ed Hewitt's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Delta's Senior Shuffle
After Delta Air Lines cancels its senior coupon program, one unhappy passenger is told she can't use her unredeemed voucher unless she pays a $100 change fee. But wait ... it turns out the fee doesn't apply. No, no, it actually does apply. Well, which is it? > Details in The Travel Troubleshooter.

** Why is Solo Travel Expensive?
For a few years now, my daughter and I have been traveling together, but with her classes, boyfriend, etc., I feel this might be coming to an end. My travel agent says it can be just about as expensive to travel by myself. How does that figure? Can you help me here? In AnitaVacation.com.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Ticked.com Top Ten
What are travelers reading? Find out at Ticked.com's Top Ten list of bestselling travel titles. Compiled monthly, the list features the most-purchased travel books on the Internet, thanks to the Web site's affiliate relationship with Barnes & Noble. Whether you're looking for something to read on your next trip or wondering what to buy for the traveler in your life, the Ticked.com Top Ten can help.

** MilesLink Voices
If you rely on Randy Petersen's WebFlyer site for timely news and information about mileage programs, you'll want to sign up for MilesLink Voices, a new electronic newsletter published in conjunction with Ticked.com. It features the sharpest opinions about travel delivered twice a month to MilesLink subscribers.

** The Magic For Less
A full-service travel agency specializing in family vacations, romantic getaways, and cruises. The hallmark of our travel consulting is personal attention mixed with a bit of "magic" for the very best prices. A graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge is available on staff to offer advice, share recommendations and help you plan a magical Disney theme park vacation. For a limited time, The Magic For Less Travel is offering discounts of up to $200 on all qualifying travel. The Magic for Less Travel will help you get where you want go - for less.

>> Talk To Us <<

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Phone: (305) 453-4781
E-mail
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